Fashion Boston - November 2009

Are pants appropriate for holiday cocktail parties (of the non-black-tie nature)? C.F. IN WESTWOOD

Absolutely! Positively! Yes! Pants are so smart and elegant. Don’t you remember the men-swooning effect of Katharine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall when they donned trousers? The heartbeats, they are still pounding. In this ’80s- inspired holiday season, there are many cheeky options. Georgie’s silver lace flares, sold at Calypso, spew sexy femininity. Tone them down with a gray cashmere duster. Leggings doggedly persevere as a trend and celebrate the holidays when saturated in sequins or crushed velvet and paired with a tunic-length blazer and heels. I am infatuated with trouser suits; Stella McCartney’s halter tuxedo one-piece and Alice & Olivia’s drape-front treasure keep me up at night. Without a doubt, ring in this season by covering up your legs — while wearing a what-lies-beneath smile.

Are there any genres or brands of heels that are more comfortable and can last me all evening out without the pain of stilettos?— R. W. IN PLYMOUTH

You know, men spend a lot of money on roses and candy, when all they really need to do to get lucky (interpret that as you will) is invent a pair of fluffy, cushion-soft heels. Hear that, Messieurs Blahnik and Choo? There’s no question stilettos are sick sexy, but what they do to our poor feet rivals Chinese foot binding. Some pointy pointers: First, any platform shoe is a strong contender. Look for pumps that are stacked both under the toes as well as the heels. Jean-Michel Cazabat’s onyx and silver platform peep toes and Christian Louboutin’s lace and suede bootie appear sky high but really only lift your toes three inches — a low enough height that will buy you at least a couple of hours of comfy standing time. There are also brands that specialize in pedi-pleasing shapes: Sofft, sold at The Tannery in Harvard Square, pads their insoles so heavily, you’ll think you’re floating. And Taryn Rose, a former orthopedic surgeon, lines her stiletto collection (sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s) with a NASA-invented memory foam that embraces your feet with a big hug — which is what the genius male inventor of eternally painless heels will receive from all womankind.

ILLUSTRATION BY NATHALIE DION/ AGOODSON.COM

I've been told that it’s appropriate for a party hostess to always be more dressed up than her guests. Do you agree? If so, how much more dressed up? — P.O. IN FOXBORO

I’ve never heard of a hard and fast rule here, although I am wildly grateful when a hostess offers her guests some sort of chest-thumping sign that she rules the kingdom, especially if I’ve never met her before. Now, note that overkill here can cause guests to feel uncomfortably underdressed, so it’s a fine line. At fancy affairs, for instance, a small eye-popping detail can do the trick — say, a sparkly headband or tasteful fresh flower pin (but not, no way, no how are we talking a bad prom corsage). For casual home events, add boldly colored accessories. In other words, layer on a discreet but clear message: I am woman. I am hostess. Hear me roar.

I LISA PIERPONT IS THE FOUNDER OF BOLDFACERS.COM, A WEB PUBLICATION SPOTLIGHTING BOSTON’S UP-AND-COMING TALENT AND STYLEMAKERS. MOREOVER, SHE IS ALSO AN UNQUESTIONABLY SNAPPY DRESSER. IN A FASHION BIND? SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO FB@GLOBE.COM.